Nature

Mount Imlay National Park

Known as Balawan to the local Aboriginal people, this 886m mountain is a towering sentry over the surrounding landscape. The view from the summit can extend to Mallacoota in the south and Narooma in the north on a clear day.

It is of particular scientific interest because of its largely undisturbed nature, the presence of several threatened plant species and its biogeographical similarity to Tasmanian peaks. The heavily forested national park covers an area of 3808 ha and is 30 kilometres south of Eden.

It was named after European pioneers the Imlay Brothers, who were whalemen and landowners.

Recreation and walking

The track is marked by silver markers on trees and rocks and care must be taken to keep these in sight at all times.

The last 500m section of the route follows a rocky razor-back ridge to the trig station.

On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mallacoota in Victoria, and Narooma to the north.

In spring, stop to admire the delicate beauty and bright colours of wildflowers like mountain speedwell. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching. Watch for yellow-tailed black cockatoos flying overhead and listen closely for lyrebirds as you’re walking up the mountain.

Camping

There are no camping facilities in the park, but bush camping is allowed. Accommodation and camping is available in and around Eden.

Facilities

The Burrawang picnic area is located at the end of the Burrawang Forest Road, and has car park, water tank and a shelter with information signs.

Flora and Fauna

A number of threatened or biogeographically significant plant species occur in the park including Eucalyptus imlayensis; a rare species of eucalypt, endemic to Mount Imlay and classified as endangered.

The park is rich in animal life, but many species are rarely seen due to their nocturnal nature. Bird life in the park includes lyrebirds, tree creepers and currawongs with wedge tailed eagles seen on the wing.

Rainforest pockets occur in the sheltered gullies within the park. Towards the summit the vegetation is stunted due to the area’s shallow soils and exposure to the weather.

Location and Access

Mount Imlay is located 500km south of Sydney, 280 km south of Canberra and 30 km south of Eden.

Access to the summit track is through the East Boyd State Forest via the Burawang Forest Road which leaves the Princes Highway 19km south of Eden.

Topographic Maps

The CMA 1:25 000 maps that cover the park are ( from north to south): Burragate 8823 -lV-N | Mount Imlay 8823-IV-S